I knew at a young age (ten!) that makeup was something I loved and wanted to always work with. I explored many avenues of how to be a makeup artist: I worked a makeup counter in a department store, I worked at MTV, I also did a lot of test photographs to put together a portfolio of fashion and beauty work. My big break was assisting François Nars. He was a wonderful teacher and I learned artistry technique, set etiquette, and got massive exposure to the top of the fashion industry.

What advice would you have for a teen that would like to pursue a similar career?

The biggest piece of advice is that this job requires hard work, flexibility, organization, and the ability to stay steady and keep secrets. It's crucial to get as much practice as possible to be ready for any type of face. A great way to practice is to work for a cosmetics brand. Also, be willing to offer your services for free in the name of practice and experience. Do your fashion and beauty homework! Read books and know what makes a face specific to a certain era. Be inspired outside of current fashion, go to museums, and study the masters in all art forms.

Photo: courtesy of Pati Dubroff

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What was it like working with your very first A-list client?

When working as an assistant I was doing fashion shows with the supermodels—they were the A-listers then. I also worked with Madonna as an assistant and I was honestly pretty nervous. What I came to realize is no matter how famous someone is, they're still human. They have talents, flaws, and some days are more confident than others. It's important to respect all humans as equals no matter what their status.

What prep work do you do before meeting with a client?

Thank goodness for the Internet! I'll study as many varied photos and videos of the client as possible. I look to see how they look in published photographs as well as candid pictures. I also try to get as much information as possible to the details of job—the environment is just as important as what is being worn. If there's a cultural reference to the look, I make sure I'm prepared with a file of images on my iPad.

Photo: courtesy of Pati Dubroff

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What's it like doing a celebrity's makeup for a big event?

The bigger the event, the higher the scrutiny stakes. I try to speak with the stylist to know what's being worn—even in terms of jewels and shoes. I try to have a couple of looks in mind, but am also open to momentary changes. It's important that my kit is fully stocked for any circumstance. I was recently in London with an A-list actress for a big premiere and we had decided for days to do a strong lip. At the last moment, we decided it just wasn't right and went with a soft natural mouth. If I had rested on the earlier decision, I wouldn't have been prepared with the colors I needed. I bring everything!

What products do you usually recommend a client take with them after they get their makeup done?

Usually the evening bag is minuscule, so it needs to be the bare minimum unless they have someone with them to carry a bit more. Blotting papers, individually packaged q-tips, and the lip color being worn is the bare minimum. I also like them to bring a concealer to touch up skin. If the eye is the focus, it's nice to bring an eye pencil. Hand sanitizer (I love Eve Echo!) is also crucial when shaking lots of hands and signing autographs!

Photo: courtesy of Open Sky

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What do you think is the number one beauty sin teens commit?

I see a lot of teen putting on way too much foundation and powder as a response to acne and pimples. Sadly, this exacerbates the problem. It's so important to take good care of your skin and use high quality skincare from an early age. Willa Girl is formulated specifically for preteen and teenage skin—it's my number one choice. Also, I notice young girls use way too much lip gloss. It's nicer to see a lip that has a hint of color and only a touch of shine, like the Clark's Botanicals Ultra Rich Tinted Lip Balm.

Photo: courtesy of Willa Girl

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What's your beauty philosophy?

Health, well being, peacefulness, and respect for all is what gives someone true beauty. I believe in taking care of your body, using high quality and natural skincare (favorites include One Love Organics, Joanna Vargas Skincare, and Ren), eating well, and ercising. When it comes to makeup, I definitely think less is more. I don't like anyone to be heavily powdered, or for makeup to look mask like. I prefer radiant, glowing, lit-from-within skin to be the focus and then a little polish to accentuate that depending on the event.

Where do you find inspiration for new makeup looks?

Look at fashion magazines and runway shows, but I also read photography books. I love to reference classic Hollywood movie stars—especially European film stars—but I like to give a bit of a modern spin.

Photo: courtesy of One Love Organics

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What qualities do you think make a beauty product great?

Makeup needs to be lightweight enough that you don't feel it weighing down on the skin, but still have enough presence and staying power to make a difference. It has to be packaged in a way that's pleasing to the eye, yet is easy to use. There are some products that are forever perfect. Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer, Maybelline Great Lash Mascara, Ardell Lashes, and Nars Blush are just a few! That said, it's so exciting to see what's new and cutting edge!

What makeup trends do you think readers should try for summer?

Bright colors are perfect for right now. A punchy bright opaque lipstick with the rest of the face simple or a swipe of a bright eyeliner. Let the color act as a piece of jewelry—a bold statement.

Photo: courtesy of Maybelline New York

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You always make stars' skin look radiant. Do you have any tricks for achieving this look?

Great makeup starts with great skin. When someone takes care of their skin and eats well, it makes my job easy. When possible, I'll use any a tinted moisturizer to even skin and add a glow. I love the new tinted moisturizers from NARS! I'll use a creamy concealer to even any spots or redness and only a light dusting of loose powder through the T-zone. Keep the skin looking like skin, with a glow that's controlled. Some people need extra help with the mattifying, and in this case, I use a matte primer, like Clarins Instant Smooth to create an even base for foundation and concealer to hold onto.

Photo: courtesy of NARS

Careers

Celebrity Makeup Artist Pati Dubroff Reveals her Tricks of the Trade

The makeup maven spills on everything from her great skin secrets to the products you'll find in her personal kit.